RTSP Server

G-Core RTSP Server is a G-Core client module. The G-Core RTSP Server is capable of converting G-Core live channels into RTSP standard-compliant streams. These streams can be received and played back by RTSP clients (for example, VLC Media Player). The prerequisite is that the corresponding RTSP clients support one of the three formats provided by G-Core RTSP Server:

  • Motion JPEG
  • MPEG-2
  • H264

G-Core RTSP Server enables a number of new applications that have not been available through the proprietary GCoreDBI interface. The G-Core RTSP Server allows the integration of G-Core live streams into RTSP-enabled environments without further software development. Examples of applications include:

  • Streaming of G-Core channels on monitor walls
  • The integration of G-Core into RTP-capable security management systems
  • In conjunction with the transcoder integrated in G-Core Server, a transcoding multichannel proxy server can be implemented for IP cameras
  • The G-Core Server enables the realization of novel redundancy scenarios. To this end, G-Core live channels can be received from other G-Core servers via the RTSP Universal Plugin (for example, for redundant recording).
  • The use of G-Core as a proxy server for video cameras: Here, the G-Core RTSP Server, in conjunction with the G-Core Server, raises the limitations of IP cameras with respect to unicast channel numbers.

The current version of the G-Core Server has the following restrictions:

  • Only live video is supported
  • Audio is not supported
  • Access to stored media data is not possible
  • The G-Core RTSP Server does not support multicast
  • The RTSP server does not support user authentication. The RTSP client can thus anonymously request images from the G-Core Server
  • H.265 is not supported.

The number of channels provided by a G-Core RTSP Server depends on CPU performance, the available network bandwidth, and the available options (licenses).

The G-Core Server supports the following protocols for control and media data transport:

  • RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)

    This is the control protocol for generating media streaming sessions. The G-Core Server supports the following RTSP requests: OPTIONS, DESCRIBE, SETUP, PLAY, TEARDOWN
  • RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol)

    RTP is responsible for the actual media transfer. The following transport types are supported:
  • RTP over RTSP (TCP)

    TCP-based transport ensures secure data transmission and should be the preferred transport type for security applications. No image data losses occur as long as the network bandwidth allows the transmission of the image data. If the available bandwidth is not sufficient, there will be data packet loss and thus image errors.
  • RTP over UDP

    UDP transport is more prone to failure. Even in case of sufficient network bandwidth, image loss due to packet loss can occur.
  • RTCP (Real Time Control Protocol)

    The protocol controls the flow of data and the adaptation of channel parameters. In unicast environments with sufficient transmission bandwidth (LAN environment), the protocol is generally not required. The G-Core RTSP Server supports a simplified RTCP implementation and uses the data exchange with the client to control the connection status of sessions. A session is terminated if no RTCP data exchange takes place over an adjustable timeout. For receivers that do not support RTCP, the function should be disabled in the G-Core RTSP Server Editor.

The G-Core RTSP Server supports the following payload types:

  • Motion JPEG

    G-Core JPEG channels are converted into RTP-compliant payloads. Due to the variety of JPEG formats, it cannot be guaranteed that all IP camera sources with JPEG are supported. If a JPEG source cannot be processed directly by the G-Core RTSP Server, it is possible to transcode it via the G-Core Server to H264CCTV
  • MPEG-2

    GSC MPEG4CCTV channels are converted into MPEG-2 payloads. The G-Core RTSP Server supports both I-frame only MPEG4CCTV as well as MPEG4CCTV with IBBB-GOP structure.
  • H264

    The G-Core RTSP Server supports H264.

With IBBB-MPEG-4CCTV, the principle of the (frame-reordering) process results in an accumulation of latency, which increases as the number of B-pictures that belong to a GOP increases. Therefore, in real-time critical applications (for example, dome control), it is recommended to work with I-frame only or with short GOP lengths. It cannot be guaranteed that any MPEG-2 capable RTSP client can work with the streams from G-Core.